Working out doesn't have to feel like work

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

So I went to a yard sale last weekend, and found something I had ironically been searching for online just that morning - a mini-stepper. More accurately, it's a Tony Little Rock n Roll Stepper. It's this neat little contraption that sort of looks like a teeter-totter with foot plates on it. You simply place a foot on each side of it and rock back and forth. Sounds easy enough, right? Actually it is - once you learn to keep your balance. Even just standing upright on it takes some coordination in order to keep from falling to one side or the other. This in fact, engages your entire core - who would've thought such a simple idea could be so effective?

I've been using it at least twice a day since Saturday, and I really feel it in my abs, obliques, hips and thighs. I need to get started measuring, but I'm willing to bet that this handy, dandy gadget will start whittling inches away before I know it.

Now keep in mind that the only reason I bought these items is that I talked the lady down to $10 for the both of them. So far I think I got my money's worth. The other thing I found was the well-advertised Ab Circle Plus. It's a pretty big circular "machine" that has these weird cups into which you place your knees. Then you grab the handles and swing your hips from side to side to gain the momentum to keep it going. This gadget wasn't in perfect condition ( which was why I was able to talk the price down), since it was missing the lock pins required to hold the handle in place, so I haven't really been able to use it yet. I did, however, get on it by placing my knees into those little cups - and when I say little, I mean it...obviously they didn't think about how large obese people's knees can be, lol. It was a little uncomfortable, but hey, if it can get my waistline - or lack thereof, into shape, I'll be all for it.

The infomercials make it look pretty convincing - I think that by having to use your hips and waist to move yourself back and forth, it's bound to utilize muscles that we don't use very often, so I have high hopes for this product as well. I'll keep ya'll informed on my progress!

I've also been doing Interval Training on my treadmill. This involves starting at a low speed for 2 minutes, then going to a higher speed for another 2 minutes until you've reached 10 minutes total. Here's my routine:

2 min. @ 2.0
2 min. @ 2.5
2 min. @ 2.0
2 min. @ 2.5
and
2 min. @ 2.0

...this allows for warm-up and cool down. It works because it keeps your metabolism guessing. That's the key to not hitting the dreaded plateus. It also makes the time go by so much faster, because you're focusing on when to change the speed. After 2 weeks of this routine, I'll switch it up, with a slow speed of 2.5 and a high of 3.0. I've used this method before, and I know it to give great results.

I'm also incorporating some 5 lb weights and doing arm exercises. So there you have it - my latest workout tips. I'll be posting new pics as the weight starts to come off. Wish me luck, and remember to have some fun with your workout!